What lies beneath

Another weekend, another DIY duty. This weekend I made a start on the spare bedroom and was amazed to reveal a football wallpaper in quite good condition. I'm not sure how old this wallpaper is. I'm thinking 70s but other family members are saying maybe 1950s? Anyone have any ideas?

I had set ideas on how I wanted the spare bedroom. I was going to go for bright and scandi but now I've unearthed this, I'm half tempted to keep this and turn the room into something a little quirky - I'm thinking flea market chic meets industrial style. I envisage lots of framed prints, grey and neutral textiles, an eclectic mix of metal coat hooks with vintage men's suits/ accessories. And a wall of brogues and interesting shoes.

I know the wallpaper is very boy-bedroomy but it's vintage quality has so much character I think it would be a shame not to give it a chance. Oh I just love how something that currently exists in a room can dictate how a room should be designed/ styled. Watch this space...

Ravishing Radishes

Mmm, freshly picked this afternoon! And here's a few little recipes from the lovely Able&Cole to show you what you can do with radishes.

Thrifty Finds #004

Candlesticks. YMCA, Tunbridge Wells.

Neat teatowel idea

Love this simple idea from Jane Cumberbatch. Many of us have a cupboard full of teatowels, some that never see the light of day yet are too nice to discard. So this little teatowel trick is a great way of adding a little character when setting a table.

Source: Remodelista

Make do

I had been scouring the tinternet for a key rack and I wasn't prepared to pay £14.99 for a piece of MDF painted white. Nothing took my fancy and everything seemed to be characterless and mediocre or highly overpriced. Anyway, Mr P had been moaning about a piece of driftwood I had picked up from the beach about 3 years ago that was just gathering dust. And so a rare brainwave struck and I simply added a few hooks and what do you know, I now have a lovely key rack made with my own fine hands. And it's a damn sight more interesting than what's available to buy. So get hunting for some old bits of wood and create your own key or jewellery rack yourself. x

Thrifty Finds #003

Crochet lace tablecloth. Salvation Army, Ore.

How recipes should be

This has got to be the most gorgeously filmed recipe I've ever seen.

beet cake from tiger in a jar on Vimeo.

Burger Monday?

No, this is not an advert for Little Chef. You have indeed read correctly. If you're creative and love burgers, this is for you. On Monday 27th June, Chelsea plays host to a one-night-only art exhibit and pop-up dinner.

There will of course be burgers, burger-inspired art and design, and every guest walks away with an original piece of artwork that pays homage to the burger, presented in the form of a paper placemat that has been designed and signed by one of 24 leading illustrators.

It's 40 smackeroonis so not a cheap night out but sounds like a night to remember. See here for more info.

Source: Coolhunting

Burgermat Artwork: James Joyce

A basket that demands a trip to the local deli!

I love this basket from Design Stockholm House. It's called the Carrie bicycle basket and is inspired by traditional crocheted tablecloths. So simple yet oh so pretty! Now available in Heals.

Source: Style

Thrifty Finds #002

Spice pots. George Street, Old Town Hastings.

Thrifty Finds #001

I'm always on the look out for little gems and so from hereon in I'm going to report on my thrifty finds! So here's thrifty find #001 - a wooden hand painted hanging vessel of some sort, bought from Courthouse St, Old Town Hastings.

I haven't a clue what it is but I'm going to use it in my desk area to hold some of my pens. It's a cheerful little thing and I love it's folksy feel - it makes me smile. If you've any idea what this is actually used for, drop me a line!

Festival of Britain

I'm a big fan of the 50s and 60s and I've got many a piece from these decades adorning my home. So when I went to the Museum of 1951 it was like being a kid in a sweetie shop. The exhibition is at the Royal Festival Hall and forms part of the South Bank's celebration of the60th anniversary of the Festival of Britain - I'd highly recommend a visit as it's absolutely fascinating and there's lots of fun and quirky things going on in and around the area as part of the celebrations.